Is NO TRAIN HORN sounding a good idea? - Trains Magazine

I hesitate to say anything without knowing what we're talking about.  Just looking at a Google map or satellite view along Third Street in Sioux City doesn't reveal much of a problem with visibility there (perhaps you need to tell us where this problem is, which crossings don't have gates, and so on).

Before I say anything else, listen to the guys who say that a quiet zone can't be unilaterally established by the city.  There are definitely rules to follow.

I don't see the hotel in the area that you mentioned...is that a recent development?

It doesn't appear to me that trains would have much speed going through there.  I doubt that they'd cme out of nowhere and annihilate unsuspecting motorists or pedestrians.  In addition to the crossing lights, gates, and bells, the locomotive bell will continue to be rung, and headlights are lit. 

I guess that what I'm saying is, if procedures have been followed by all concerned, and the crossings are properly equipped, there shouldn't be a problem with a quiet zone in an area like this.  That's a big "if", though.

I'm going to have to come to Sioux City sometime and check out what's there.  It looks like it would be a riot...the Google satellite view shows an Alzheimers' Center on...on!...one of the crossings, and if I look further east, across the river and into the yard, I'm seeing three empty hoppers that appear to be shoved off the end of one of the tracks!